Squash hybrid zgnehh6009 and parents thereof

ABSTRACT

The invention provides seed and plants of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a squash plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another squash plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Appl. Ser. No.61/649,166, filed May 18, 2012, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding and, morespecifically, to the development of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and theinbred squash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The goal of vegetable breeding is to combine various desirable traits ina single variety/hybrid. Such desirable traits may include any traitdeemed beneficial by a grower and/or consumer, including greater yield,resistance to insects or disease, tolerance to environmental stress, andnutritional value.

Breeding techniques take advantage of a plant's method of pollination.There are two general methods of pollination: a plant self-pollinates ifpollen from one flower is transferred to the same or another flower ofthe same plant or plant variety. A plant cross-pollinates if pollencomes to it from a flower of a different plant variety.

Plants that have been self-pollinated and selected for type over manygenerations become homozygous at almost all gene loci and produce auniform population of true breeding progeny, a homozygous plant. A crossbetween two such homozygous plants of different genotypes produces auniform population of hybrid plants that are heterozygous for many geneloci. Conversely, a cross of two plants each heterozygous at a number ofloci produces a population of hybrid plants that differ genetically andare not uniform. The resulting non-uniformity makes performanceunpredictable.

The development of uniform varieties requires the development ofhomozygous inbred plants, the crossing of these inbred plants, and theevaluation of the crosses. Pedigree breeding and recurrent selection areexamples of breeding methods that have been used to develop inbredplants from breeding populations. Those breeding methods combine thegenetic backgrounds from two or more plants or various other broad-basedsources into breeding pools from which new lines and hybrids derivedtherefrom are developed by selfing and selection of desired phenotypes.The new lines and hybrids are evaluated to determine which of those havecommercial potential.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a squash plant of thehybrid designated ZGNEHH6009, the squash line ZGN-130-1096 or squashline ZGN 130-1041T. Also provided are squash plants having all thephysiological and morphological characteristics of such a plant. Partsof these squash plants are also provided, for example, including pollen,an ovule, scion, a rootstock, a fruit, and a cell of the plant.

In another aspect of the invention, a plant of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009and/or squash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T comprising an addedheritable trait is provided. The heritable trait may comprise a geneticlocus that is, for example, a dominant or recessive allele. In oneembodiment of the invention, a plant of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/orsquash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T is defined as comprising asingle locus conversion. In specific embodiments of the invention, anadded genetic locus confers one or more traits such as, for example,herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, disease resistance, and modifiedcarbohydrate metabolism. In further embodiments, the trait may beconferred by a naturally occurring gene introduced into the genome of aline by backcrossing, a natural or induced mutation, or a transgeneintroduced through genetic transformation techniques into the plant or aprogenitor of any previous generation thereof. When introduced throughtransformation, a genetic locus may comprise one or more genesintegrated at a single chromosomal location.

The invention also concerns the seed of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/orsquash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T. The squash seed of theinvention may be provided as an essentially homogeneous population ofsquash seed of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or squash lines ZGN-130-1096and ZGN 130-1041T. Essentially homogeneous populations of seed aregenerally free from substantial numbers of other seed. Therefore, seedof hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or squash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041Tmay be defined as forming at least about 97% of the total seed,including at least about 98%, 99% or more of the seed. The seedpopulation may be separately grown to provide an essentially homogeneouspopulation of squash plants designated ZGNEHH6009 and/or squash linesZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a tissue culture of regenerablecells of a squash plant of hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or squash linesZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T is provided. The tissue culture willpreferably be capable of regenerating squash plants capable ofexpressing all of the physiological and morphological characteristics ofthe starting plant, and of regenerating plants having substantially thesame genotype as the starting plant. Examples of some of thephysiological and morphological characteristics of the hybrid ZGNEHH6009and/or squash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T include those traitsset forth in the tables herein. The regenerable cells in such tissuecultures may be derived, for example, from embryos, meristems,cotyledons, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, pistils, flowers,seed and stalks. Still further, the present invention provides squashplants regenerated from a tissue culture of the invention, the plantshaving all the physiological and morphological characteristics of hybridZGNEHH6009 and/or squash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, processes are provided forproducing squash seeds, plants and fruit, which processes generallycomprise crossing a first parent squash plant with a second parentsquash plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent squashplants is a plant of squash line ZGN-130-1096 or squash line ZGN130-1041T. These processes may be further exemplified as processes forpreparing hybrid squash seed or plants, wherein a first squash plant iscrossed with a second squash plant of a different, distinct genotype toprovide a hybrid that has, as one of its parents, a plant of squash lineZGN-130-1096 or squash line ZGN 130-1041T. In these processes, crossingwill result in the production of seed. The seed production occursregardless of whether the seed is collected or not.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first step in “crossing”comprises planting seeds of a first and second parent squash plant,often in proximity so that pollination will occur for example, mediatedby insect vectors. Alternatively, pollen can be transferred manually.Where the plant is self-pollinated, pollination may occur without theneed for direct human intervention other than plant cultivation.

A second step may comprise cultivating or growing the seeds of first andsecond parent squash plants into plants that bear flowers. A third stepmay comprise preventing self-pollination of the plants, such as byemasculating the flowers (i.e., killing or removing the pollen).

A fourth step for a hybrid cross may comprise cross-pollination betweenthe first and second parent squash plants. Yet another step comprisesharvesting the seeds from at least one of the parent squash plants. Theharvested seed can be grown to produce a squash plant or hybrid squashplant.

The present invention also provides the squash seeds and plants producedby a process that comprises crossing a first parent squash plant with asecond parent squash plant, wherein at least one of the first or secondparent squash plants is a plant of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/orsquash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T. In one embodiment of theinvention, squash seed and plants produced by the process are firstgeneration (F₁) hybrid squash seed and plants produced by crossing aplant in accordance with the invention with another, distinct plant. Thepresent invention further contemplates plant parts of such an F₁ hybridsquash plant, and methods of use thereof. Therefore, certain exemplaryembodiments of the invention provide an F₁ hybrid squash plant and seedthereof.

In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method ofproducing a plant derived from hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or squash linesZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T, the method comprising the steps of: (a)preparing a progeny plant derived from hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or squashlines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T, wherein said preparing comprisescrossing a plant of the hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or squash linesZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T with a second plant; and (b) crossing theprogeny plant with itself or a second plant to produce a seed of aprogeny plant of a subsequent generation. In further embodiments, themethod may additionally comprise: (c) growing a progeny plant of asubsequent generation from said seed of a progeny plant of a subsequentgeneration and crossing the progeny plant of a subsequent generationwith itself or a second plant; and repeating the steps for an additional3-10 generations to produce a plant derived from hybrid ZGNEHH6009and/or squash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T. The plant derivedfrom hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or squash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN130-1041T may be an inbred line, and the aforementioned repeatedcrossing steps may be defined as comprising sufficient inbreeding toproduce the inbred line. In the method, it may be desirable to selectparticular plants resulting from step (c) for continued crossingaccording to steps (b) and (c). By selecting plants having one or moredesirable traits, a plant derived from hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or squashlines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T is obtained which possesses some ofthe desirable traits of the line/hybrid as well as potentially otherselected traits.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method ofproducing food or feed comprising: (a) obtaining a plant of squashhybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or squash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T,wherein the plant has been cultivated to maturity, and (b) collecting atleast one squash from the plant.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, the genetic complement ofsquash hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or squash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN130-1041T is provided. The phrase “genetic complement” is used to referto the aggregate of nucleotide sequences, the expression of whichsequences defines the phenotype of, in the present case, a squash plant,or a cell or tissue of that plant. A genetic complement thus representsthe genetic makeup of a cell, tissue or plant, and a hybrid geneticcomplement represents the genetic make up of a hybrid cell, tissue orplant. The invention thus provides squash plant cells that have agenetic complement in accordance with the squash plant cells disclosedherein, and seeds and plants containing such cells.

Plant genetic complements may be assessed by genetic marker profiles,and by the expression of phenotypic traits that are characteristic ofthe expression of the genetic complement, e.g., isozyme typing profiles.It is understood that hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or squash lines ZGN-130-1096and ZGN 130-1041T could be identified by any of the many well knowntechniques such as, for example, Simple Sequence Length Polymorphisms(SSLPs) (Williams et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 1 8:6531-6535, 1990),Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), DNA AmplificationFingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs),Arbitrary Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), Amplified FragmentLength Polymorphisms (AFLPs) (EP 534 858, specifically incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety), and Single NucleotidePolymorphisms (SNPs) (Wang et al., Science, 280:1077-1082, 1998).

In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides hybridgenetic complements, as represented by squash plant cells, tissues,plants, and seeds, formed by the combination of a haploid geneticcomplement of a squash plant of the invention with a haploid geneticcomplement of a second squash plant, preferably, another, distinctsquash plant. In another aspect, the present invention provides a squashplant regenerated from a tissue culture that comprises a hybrid geneticcomplement of this invention.

Any embodiment discussed herein with respect to one aspect of theinvention applies to other aspects of the invention as well, unlessspecifically noted.

The term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the standarddeviation of the mean for the device or method being employed todetermine the value. The use of the term “or” in the claims is used tomean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives onlyor the alternatives are mutually exclusive. When used in conjunctionwith the word “comprising” or other open language in the claims, thewords “a” and “an” denote “one or more,” unless specifically notedotherwise. The terms “comprise,” “have” and “include” are open-endedlinking verbs. Any forms or tenses of one or more of these verbs, suchas “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes” and“including,” are also open-ended. For example, any method that“comprises,” “has” or “includes” one or more steps is not limited topossessing only those one or more steps and also covers other unlistedsteps. Similarly, any plant that “comprises,” “has” or “includes” one ormore traits is not limited to possessing only those one or more traitsand covers other unlisted traits.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and any specificexamples provided, while indicating specific embodiments of theinvention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changesand modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from this detaileddescription.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides methods and compositions relating to plants,seeds and derivatives of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009, squash lineZGN-130-1096 and squash line ZGN 130-1041T.

Squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009, also known as SV6009YG, is a multi-virusresistant dark green zucchini hybrid that exhibits a very high yieldpotential compared to other similar products. The erect, open growthhabit improves ease of harvest. Highly uniform and cylindrical fruitshape results in a high proportion of top quality fruit.

ZGN 130-1041T is a green zucchini breeding line with exceptional levelsof virus resistance. This genotype in particular shows high levelresistance to Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), zucchini yellow mosaicpotyvirus (ZYMV), and watermelon mosaic virus (WMV). In addition to thedisease resistance, this genotype has a medium green fruit colorpreferred by growers in many regions, as well as acceptablehorticultural characteristics.

A. ORIGIN AND BREEDING HISTORY OF SQUASH HYBRID ZGNEHH6009

The parents of hybrid ZGNEHH6009 are ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T.These parents were created as follows:

Squash line ZGN 130-1041T, also known as ZGN-130-1041T, was developed bya selection strategy involving two components: (1) “CAS 46-2002T,” abreeding line having the characteristics of strong female flowerproduction potential, the ZWC multi-virus resistance transgene, andfield tolerance to powdery mildew caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginella(Schlechtend.:Fr.) Pollacci, and (2) “ZGN 47-314,” a proprietarybreeding line contributing vigor, dark green fruit color, and a longcylindrical fruit shape. The initial cross was made in Florida in Aprilof 2001.

The F1 generation was self pollinated in a California greenhouse in thefall of 2001, to maximize production of F2 seed. The F2 generation wasgreenhouse grown in 2002, where approximately 500 seedlings weremechanically inoculated with CMV and ZYMV. After development ofsymptoms, resistant plants were selected and transplanted to a field,where 42 of the survivors were selected for self pollination based uponfruit type and horticultural characteristics. The F3 generation wasgrown in Florida during the fall of 2002, where 32 F4 selections weremade from 14 of the F3 families. Following self pollination, selectionswere evaluated for resistance to powdery mildew. For the F4 generation,12 seeds per selection were grown in the spring of 2003. These seedlingswere mechanically inoculated with CMV and ZYMV, and survivors wereselected for self pollination based on fruit type and horticulturalcharacteristics. The F5 generation was selected in Florida withoutinoculation during the fall of 2003, and 4 families were retained forfurther evaluation.

Beginning with the F6 generation, evaluation of these breeding lines wasbased on performance of both the breeding lines and hybrids createdusing these breeding lines. For the line designated ZGN 130-1041T, theF6 generation was self pollinated in a California greenhouse during thewinter, concurrently with the production of test hybrids. During thesubsequent 4 years, more than 100 genetically unique hybrids have beencreated and evaluated using this lineage. Evaluations of these hybridshave been performed in at least 8 states in the U.S. Hybrids using ZGN130-1041T show good horticultural characteristics, field tolerance topowdery mildew caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginella (Schlechtend.:Fr.)Pollacci, and resistance to many strains of ZYMV, WMV, and CMV.

Two additional generations of advancement were completed in 2004 throughself pollination of greenhouse grown plants. These additionalgenerations further establish uniformity of the parental line, and thefounding stock for ZGN 130-1041T was based on a bulk of seed from threeF9 generation plants with the same F8 generation source. The pedigreeand lineage of this F9 generation is (CAS 46-2002T X ZGN47-314)-M-5-4-1-2-1-1 M.

The male parent ZGN-130-1096, also know as ZGN 130-1096, was developedfrom the following initial germplasm sources:

-   -   Commercial variety “Tigress”    -   Commercial variety “Raven”    -   Italian landrace “Striato di Napoli”    -   Germplasm accession “A98S85” from Universidad de Sonora,        Hermosillo courtesy of Sergio Garza    -   Proprietary inbred line “G710,” originally sourced from the        Royal Sluis vegetable seeds company

ZGN-130-1096, or a similar parent line, can be re-created in as few as21 generations of selective breeding through the following breedingscheme which was used in its development:

-   -   Generation 1: Create a hybrid between germplasm accession A98S85        and inbred line G710    -   Generation 2: Backcross this hybrid to inbred line G710    -   Generation 3: Self pollinate the hybrid Tigress and also a        selection from the first backcross generation (A98S85/G710*1)    -   Generation 4: Self pollinate the hybrid Raven. Self pollinate F2        generation selections of Tigress and A98S85/G710*1    -   Generations 5-7: Self pollinate selected individuals from all        three lineages (Raven, Tigress, and A98S85/G710*1)    -   Generation 8: Hybridize an F6 generation selection of Tigress to        an F4 generation selection of A98S85/G710*1, self pollinate an        F5 generation selection of Raven.    -   Generation 9: Hybridize the F6 generation selection of Raven to        Striato di    -   Napoli, self pollinate the F1 generation of        TigressF6/(A98S85/G710*1)    -   Generations 10-11: Select and self pollinate individual        selections from both lineages (RavenF6/Striato di Napoli and        TigressF6/(A98S85/G710*1))    -   Generation 12: Hybridize and F3 generation selection of        RavenF6/Striato di Napoli to an F4 generation selection of        TigressF6/(A98S85/G710*1).    -   Generations 13-21: for 9 successive generations, self pollinate        individual plant selections from the cross made in        generation 12. Self pollinated seed from a single F9 generation        plant from this cross was coded as ZGN-130-1096, and subsequent        generations of seed increase were not subject to individual        plant selection. Performance testing of hybrids using this        lineage commenced in Generation 18.

During the crossing and inbreeding generations used to develop thisparent line, plants were selected based on various criteria, includingresistance to diseases (including Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus andWatermelon Mosaic Virus), plant architecture, fruit shape, fruit color,blossom scar, synchronicity of male and female flower production, easeof harvest, blossom scar size, speed of plant growth and development,subjective evaluations of fruit productivity, and adaptation to specificenvironments (environments included field and/or greenhouse locations inCalifornia, Mexico, Guatemala, France, and Florida). After generation18, selection criteria included hybrid performance.

The parent lines are uniform and stable, as is a hybrid producedtherefrom. A small percentage of variants can occur within commerciallyacceptable limits for almost any characteristic during the course ofrepeated multiplication. However no variants are expected.

B. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SQUASH HYBRIDZGNEHH6009, SQUASH LINE ZGN-130-1096 AND SQUASH LINE ZGN 130-1041T

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a plant having the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and the parent linesthereof. A description of the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of such plants is presented in Tables 1-3.

TABLE 1 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of HybridZGNEHH6009 Comparison Variety CHARACTERISTIC ZGNEHH6009 Payroll 1.Species Pepo Pepo 2. Kind/Use squash squash 3. Type summer (vegetablemarrow) summer 4. Cotyledon length 47.2 mm 44.27 mm width 29.59 mm 29.13mm apex rounded rounded veining obscure plainly visible color mediumgreen dark green color (RHS Color Chart) 138A 147A Seedling shape ofcotyledons elliptic (Cora, Tivoli) elliptic intensity of green color ofmedium (Cora) dark cotyledons cross section of convex (Bianchini, Yellowstraight cotyledons Crookneck) 5. Mature Plant growth habit bush bushplant type prickly prickly 6. Main Stem cross-section shape round rounddiameter at mid-point of 27.6 mm 29.79 mm 1^(st) internode averagelength 31.9 cm 38.6 cm average number of 18.55 28.56 internodes Stemcolor completely green (Becky) completely green intensity of green colormedium (Cinderella) dark mottling absent (Cinderella) present tendrilsabsent to rudimentary absent to rudimentary (Goldrush, Sylvana) Plantgrowth habit bush (Greyzini) bush branching absent (Goldi) absent bushvarieties only: erect to semi-erect (Sardane) semi-erect to horizontalattitude of petiole (excluding lower external leaves) 7. Leaves bladeshape refuse ovate blade form deep lobed deep lobed margin dentatedentate margin edges frilled frilled average width 29.2 cm 32.92 cmaverage length 25.16 cm 28.21 cm leaf surface smooth smooth dorsalsurface pubescence soft hairy bristled vental surface pubescence softhairy bristled color medium green medium green color (RHS Color Chart)137A 137A leaf blotching blotched with gray blotched with gray leafblade: size large (Kriti) large leaf blade: incisions deep (Civac)medium leaf blade: intensity of medium (Cora) medium green color ofupper surface leaf blade: silvery patches present (Civac) present leafblade: relative area medium (Ambassador) medium covered by silverypatches average petiole length 33.73 cm 33.15 cm petiole length medium(Goldi) long petiole: number of many (White Bush Scallop) many prickles8. Flower pistillate flower: average 15.66 cm 16.39 cm diameterpistillate flower: ovary turbinate drum-like pistillate flower: average2.16 cm 2.14 cm pedicel length pistillate flower: margin curved curvedshape pistillate flower: margin frilled frilled edges pistillate flower:average 1.35 mm 1.47 mm sepal width pistillate flower: average 5.56 mm6.14 mm sepal length pistillate flower: color orange deep yellowpistillate flower: color 28B 17A (RHS Color Chart) staminate flower:average 13.95 mm 19.51 mm sepal length staminate flower: average 1.9 mm2.75 mm sepal width staminate flower: average 96.31 mm 162.53 mm pedicellength staminate flower: color orange orange female flower: ring atabsent (Cinderella, Greyzini) present inner side of corolla male flower:ring at inner present (Goldi) present side of corolla male flower: colorof ring green (Austral, Belor, Goldi) yellow and green at inner side ofcorolla male flower: intensity of medium (Verdi) medium green color ofring at inner side of corolla staminate flower: color 28A N25D 9. Fruitmarket maturity: average 16.3 cm 15.7 cm length market maturity: average2.79 cm 2.53 cm width - stem end at market maturity: 2.29 cm 1.56 cmaverage width - blossom end market maturity: average 166.85 gm 133.2 gmweight market maturity: shape straightneck straightneck according tovariety type market maturity: apex rounded rounded market maturity: baserounded rounded market maturity: ribs none inconspicuous marketmaturity: fruit smooth smooth surface market maturity: warts none nonemarket maturity: blossom slightly extended slightly extended scar buttonyoung fruit: ratio length/ large (Carlotta) large maximum diameter(zucchini type varieties) young fruit: general shape cylindrical(Ambassador, cylindrical (zucchini and rounded Ibis) zucchini typevarieties) young fruit: main color of green (Elite, Opal, Romano) greenskin (excluding color of ribs or grooves) young fruit: intensity ofmedium (Baccara) medium green color of skin (excluding color of ribs orgrooves; only varieties with green color of skin) general shapecylindrical cylindrical length (zucchini type very long (Altea) mediumvarieties) maximum diameter medium (Opal) medium (zucchini typevarieties) ratio length/maximum very large (Tarquinio) large diameter(zucchini type varieties) blossom end (zucchini and rounded rounded necktype varieties) grooves absent present ribs present present protrusionof ribs very weak (Leda, Tivoli) weak main color of skin green(Ambassador, Baby green (excluding color of dots, Bear) patches, stripesand bands) intensity of green color of very dark (Baby Bear, medium skin(only varieties with Sardane) green color of skin) color of ribscompared to same (Grey Zucchini) main color of skin dots present (GoldRush, Table absent Queen) size of main dots small (Ambassador) secondarygreen color absent (Grey Zucchini, absent between ribs (excluding SmallSugar) dots) warts on skin absent absent size of flower scar medium(Spidi) very small length of peduncle medium (Cinderella) long color ofpeduncle green (Ambassador) green intensity of green color of medium(Sunburst) medium peduncle mottling of peduncle absent (Sunburst) absentripe fruit: main color of green green skin (excluding color of mottles,patches, stripes and bands) ripe fruit: intensity of medium main colorof skin (only yellow and orange) ripe fruit: secondary color orange ofskin (excluding color of mottles, patches, stripes and bands) ripefruit: color of flesh yellow (Sunburst, Vegetable yellow Spaghetti) ripefruit: lignified rind present (Elite, Little Gem, present Scallopini,Yellow Summer Crookneck) ripe fruit: structure of fibrous (Vegetablefibrous flesh Spaghetti) 10. Rind average thickness at 2.9 mm 2.03 mmmedial toughness hard hard overall color pattern irregular regular mainor ground color green greenish gray main or ground color N189A N189A(RHS Color Chart) 11. Flesh average blossom end 43.2 mm 32.4 mmthickness average medial thickness 42.5 mm 38.1 mm average stem end 40.4mm 40.1 mm thickness texture (fine, granular, stringy stringy lumpy orstringy) texture (soft, firm or firm firm brittle) texture (dry, moistor moist juicy juicy) flavor insipid insipid quality good good colorcreamy yellow white color (RHS Color Chart) 2D 155A 12. Seed Cavityaverage length 33.4 cm 34.37 cm average width 5.95 cm 4.92 cm locationconforms to fruit shape conforms to fruit shape placental tissuemoderately abundant abundant center core inconspicuous prominent 13.Fruit Stalks average length 2.93 cm 2.68 cm average diameter 2.42 cm1.85 cm cross-section shape irregular irregular twisting not twisted nottwisted tapering tapered not tapered straightness slightly curvedstraight texture spongy spongy furrows deep deep surface rough roughattachment end slightly expanded slightly expanded detaches withdifficulty easily color medium green medium green color (RHS ColorChart) 141A 144A 14. Seeds average length 13.6 mm 14.1 mm average width7.65 mm 8.32 mm average thickness 2.6 mm 2.42 mm face surface smoothsmooth color white cream color (RHS Color Chart) 158C 162D luster dulldull margin curved curved margin edge rounded rounded separation frompulp moderately easy easy average grams per 100 10 gm 11.25 gm seedsaverage number of seeds 201 180.25 per fruit seed coat normal normalsize very small (Jack Be Little) medium shape broad elliptic (Baby Boo)elliptic hull present (Baby Bear, Elite) present appearance of hullfully developed (Elite) rudimentary color of hull whitish (Table Queen)cream fruit type: zucchini fruit: patches, stripes or absent(Ambassador, Black bands in ripe stage (if Jack) zucchini type) *Theseare typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other valuesthat are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of theinvention.

TABLE 2 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of LineZGN-130-1096 Comparison Variety CHARACTERISTIC ZGN-130-1096 Payroll 1.Species Pepo Pepo 2. Kind/Use squash squash 3. Type summer (vegetablemarrow) summer 4. Cotyledon length 43.5 mm 50.1 mm width 31.4 mm 30.35mm apex tapered rounded veining plainly visible plainly visible colormedium green dark green color (RHS Color Chart) 137C 147A Seedling shapeof cotyledons elliptic (Cora, Tivoli) elliptic intensity of green colorof medium (Cora) dark cotyledons cross section of concave straightcotyledons 5. Mature Plant growth habit bush bush plant type piloseprickly 6. Main Stem cross-section shape round round diameter atmid-point of 25.6 mm 20.1 mm 1^(st) internode average length 25.9 cm25.1 cm average number of 23.8 25.4 internodes Stem color completelygreen (Becky) completely green intensity of green color very dark(Goldrush) dark mottling absent (Cinderella) present tendrils absent torudimentary well developed (Goldrush, Sylvana) Plant growth habit bush(Greyzini) bush branching absent (Goldi) absent bush varieties only:erect (Blanche non coureuse semi-erect attitude of petiole 3, YellowCrookneck) (excluding lower external leaves) 7. Leaves blade shapereniform reniform blade form deep lobed deep lobed margin dentatedentate margin edges frilled frilled average width 28.7 cm 34.5 cmaverage length 25.9 cm 29.5 cm leaf surface blistered smooth dorsalsurface pubescence glabrous soft hairy vental surface pubescenceglabrous soft hairy color dark green medium green color (RHS ColorChart) 137A 137B leaf blotching blotched with gray blotched with grayleaf blade: size medium (Ambassador) medium leaf blade: incisions deep(Civac) medium leaf blade: intensity of dark (Everest) medium greencolor of upper surface leaf blade: silvery patches present (Civac)present leaf blade: relative area small (Aziz) large covered by silverypatches average petiole length 36.45 cm 35.45 cm petiole length medium(Goldi) medium petiole: number of few (Opaline) many prickles 8. Flowerpistillate flower: average 9.05 cm 14.4 cm diameter pistillate flower:ovary drum-like drum-like pistillate flower: average 2.3 cm 4.2 cmpedicel length pistillate flower: margin straight curved shapepistillate flower: margin frilled frilled edges pistillate flower:average 1.15 mm 1.2 mm sepal width pistillate flower: average 3.6 mm 6mm sepal length pistillate flower: color orange deep yellow pistillateflower: color 21A 23A (RHS Color Chart) staminate flower: average 12.3mm 16.5 mm sepal length staminate flower: average 2 mm 2.3 mm sepalwidth staminate flower: average 71.1 mm 178.25 mm pedicel lengthstaminate flower: color orange deep yellow female flower: ring atpresent (Aurore) present inner side of corolla female flower: color ofgreen (Aurore, Early White yellow and green ring at inner side of BushScallop, President) corolla female flower: intensity of medium (Samba,Senator) weak green color of ring at inner side of corolla (varietieswith green ring at inner side of corolla) male flower: ring at innerpresent (Goldi) present side of corolla male flower: color of ring green(Austral, Belor, Goldi) green at inner side of corolla male flower:intensity of medium (Verdi) medium green color of ring at inner side ofcorolla staminate flower: color 17AS 14A 9. Fruit market maturity:average 16.05 cm 18.3 cm length market maturity: average 4 cm 3.9 cmwidth - stem end at market maturity: 3.65 cm 3.4 cm average width -blossom end market maturity: average 173.5 gm 240.9 gm weight marketmaturity: shape straightneck straightneck according to variety typemarket maturity: apex rounded rounded market maturity: base roundedflattened market maturity: ribs inconspicuous inconspicuous marketmaturity: rib shallow shallow furrow depth market maturity: rib narrownarrow furrow width market maturity: fruit shallowly wavy smooth surfacemarket maturity: warts none none market maturity: blossom slightlyextended raised acorn scar button young fruit: ratio length/ large(Carlotta) medium maximum diameter (zucchini type varieties) youngfruit: general shape cylindrical (Ambassador, cylindrical (zucchini androunded Ibis) zucchini type varieties) young fruit: main color of green(Elite, Opal, Romano) green skin (excluding color of ribs or grooves)young fruit: intensity of very dark (Carnaval, dark green color of skinCorsair) (excluding color of ribs or grooves; only varieties with greencolor of skin) general shape cylindrical club shaped length (zucchinitype short (Jedida) short varieties) maximum diameter small (Goldi)small (zucchini type varieties) ratio length/maximum medium (Cora)medium diameter (zucchini type varieties) blossom end (zucchini androunded rounded neck type varieties) grooves absent present ribs presentpresent protrusion of ribs weak (Ambassador) weak main color of skingreen (Ambassador, Baby green (excluding color of dots, Bear) patches,stripes and bands) intensity of green color of very dark (Baby Bear,medium skin (only varieties with Sardane) green color of skin) color ofribs compared to same (Grey Zucchini) same main color of skin dotspresent (Gold Rush, Table present Queen) size of main dots very small(Badger Cross) very small secondary green color absent (Grey Zucchini,absent between ribs (excluding Small Sugar) dots) warts on skin absentabsent size of flower scar small (Goldi) medium length of peduncle long(Tivoli) medium color of peduncle green (Ambassador) green intensity ofgreen color of dark (Gold Rush) medium peduncle mottling of pedunclepresent (Elite) present ripe fruit: secondary color orange (Autumn Gold)yellow of skin (excluding color of mottles, patches, stripes and bands)ripe fruit: intensity of medium medium main color of skin (only yellowand orange) ripe fruit: secondary color green green of skin ripe fruit:color of flesh yellow (Sunburst, Vegetable cream Spaghetti) ripe fruit:lignified rind present (Elite, Little Gem, present Scallopini, YellowSummer Crookneck) ripe fruit: structure of fibrous (Vegetable fibrousflesh Spaghetti) 10. Rind average thickness at 2.4 mm 2.1 mm medialtoughness hard hard overall color pattern regular regular main or groundcolor green yellowish green main or ground color N189A 151D (RHS ColorChart) 11. Flesh average blossom end 8.2 mm 9.45 mm thickness averagemedial thickness 66.7 mm 25.2 mm average stem end 17.45 mm 16.2 mmthickness texture (fine, granular, fine fine lumpy or stringy) texture(soft, firm or firm soft brittle) texture (dry, moist or moist juicyjuicy) flavor slightly sweet insipid quality good good color yellowishgreen creamy white color (RHS Color Chart) 157D 157A 12. Seed Cavityaverage length 33.15 cm 28.7 cm average width 8.1 cm 5.85 cm locationconforms to fruit shape conforms to fruit shape placental tissueabundant abundant center core inconspicuous inconspicuous 13. FruitStalks average length 4.05 cm 2.7 cm average diameter 1.8 cm 2.1 cmcross-section shape round irregular twisting twisted not twistedtapering tapered not tapered straightness straight straight texture hardspongy furrows deep deep surface smooth smooth attachment end expandedexpanded detaches easily easily color dark green medium green color (RHSColor Chart) 139A 137C 14. Seeds average length 12.2 mm 14.1 mm averagewidth 7.25 mm 8.6 mm average thickness 2.9 mm 1.9 mm face surfacewrinkled scaly color white cream color (RHS Color Chart) 155B 162Dluster dull dull margin curved curved margin edge rounded roundedseparation from pulp moderately easy easy average grams per 100 12.4 gm11.6 gm seeds average number of seeds 142.5 248.5 per fruit seed coatnormal normal size small (Delicata) medium shape elliptic (Elite) broadelliptic hull present (Baby Bear, Elite) present appearance of hullfully developed (Elite) fully developed color of hull cream (De Nice àFruit cream Rond) fruit type: zucchini fruit: patches, stripes or absent(Ambassador, Black bands in ripe stage (if Jack) zucchini type) *Theseare typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Other valuesthat are substantially equivalent are also within the scope of theinvention.

TABLE 3 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Line ZGN130-1041T CHARACTERISTIC ZGN 130-1041T 1. General Descriptors FruitShape/Variety Group Zucchini Expected Primary Usage Culinary Parts ofPlant Providing Expected Immature Fruit Primary Usage CotyledonsMeasured Between Full Length to Width ratio - 1.75 Expansion of 1^(st)and 2^(nd) True Leaves Apex - Not Notched Veining - Obvious 2. Main StemMain Color Dark Green (Nearly Entire Length - Fordhook Zucchini, JackO'Lantern, Howden) White Marks at Nodes Present Yellow Marks (Associatedwith Absent Precocious Yellow Gene Complex) Growth Habit (20 TrueLeaves) Bush True-bush (Fordhook Zucchini, Cocozelle, Ronde de Nice,benning's Green Tint) Tendrils (20 True Leaves) Absent or RudimentaryMain Stem Internode Dimensions Observed after 20^(th) InternodeDeveloped Length Constant from 5^(th) to 15^(th) Internode WidthDecreases from 5^(th) to 15^(th) Internode 3. Petioles Derived from MainStem Observed after 20^(th) Node Developed Length to Width Medial Ratioof 49.70 10th Length to Width Medial Ratio of 45.19 15^(th) PetioleSpininess (Prickles) Observed after Moderately Spiny (Cocozelle) 20^(th)Internode Angle of 6^(th) through 15^(th) on Main Horizontal (Caserta,less than 10°) Stem 4. Laminae Lobing of 10^(th) and 15^(th) on MainMedium Lobed Stem Dimensions of Leaf after 20^(th) 0.83 Length toMaximal Width Ratio of 10^(th) True Internode Leaf Dimensions of Leafafter 20^(th) 0.85 Length to Maximal Width ratio of 15^(th) TrueInternode Leaf Silver Blotching or Mottling Silver Blotching over aModerate Amount of the Surface 5. Flowers Number per Node One (almostalways) (Fordhook Zucchini, Cocozelle) Staminate on day of Anthesis onMain Stem (Between Nodes 11/20) Length from Base of Calyx to 71.6 mm Tipof Corolla Exterior Width at Top of Calyx 17.3 mm Cup Pedicel Length179.5 mm Length of Anther Column 11.1 mm Dominant Color of Corolla ofOrange-yellow (Day of Anthesis) Staminate Flower Ring at Base ofInterior of Staminate Absent Corolla Ring at Base of Interior ofPistillate Yellow Corolla Pistillate Flower on Day of Anthesis Lengthfrom Base of Calyx to 67.5 mm Tip of Corolla Pedicel Length 16.4 mmOvary Color (Day Prior to Anthesis) Green (Black Beauty, FordhookZucchini, Cocozelle, Clarita) 6. Immature Fruit Size (3-5 Days PastAnthesis) Length (through Axis) to Medial 4.48 Width Ratio Length(through Axis) to 4.01 Maximal Width Ratio Color (3-5 Days PastAnthesis) Intense Green (Fordhook Zucchini, Black Beauty, JackO'Lantern, Senator, Spineless Beauty, Raven) Fruit Flecks Small (Nero diMilano, Raven, Magic Lantern) Fruit Warting Absent (Cocozelle, FordhookZucchini, Ronde de Nice, Gentry) 6. Mature Fruit Dimensions (40 DaysPast Anthesis) 3.0 Length (through Axis) to Medial Width Ratio WartingAbsent (Cocozelle, Fordhook Zucchini, Ronde de Nice) Stylar Scar FlatStylar End Nearly Flat (Fordhook Zucchini, True French) Peduncle EndConvex Surface Neither Netted or Cracked Exterior Color Black Green(Fordhook Zucchini, Taybelle) 7. Seed Hull (Mature) Present with NormalAppearance *These are typical values. Values may vary due toenvironment. Other values that are substantially equivalent are alsowithin the scope of the invention.

C. BREEDING SQUASH PLANTS

One aspect of the current invention concerns methods for producing seedof squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009 involving crossing squash lines ZGN-130-1096and ZGN 130-1041T. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the invention,hybrid ZGNEHH6009, line ZGN-130-1096, or line ZGN 130-1041T may becrossed with itself or with any second plant. Such methods can be usedfor propagation of hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or the squash linesZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T, or can be used to produce plants thatare derived from hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or the squash lines ZGN-130-1096and ZGN 130-1041T. Plants derived from hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and/or thesquash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T may be used, in certainembodiments, for the development of new squash varieties.

The development of new varieties using one or more starting varieties iswell known in the art. In accordance with the invention, novel varietiesmay be created by crossing hybrid ZGNEHH6009 followed by multiplegenerations of breeding according to such well known methods. Newvarieties may be created by crossing with any second plant. In selectingsuch a second plant to cross for the purpose of developing novel lines,it may be desired to choose those plants which either themselves exhibitone or more selected desirable characteristics or which exhibit thedesired characteristic(s) when in hybrid combination. Once initialcrosses have been made, inbreeding and selection take place to producenew varieties. For development of a uniform line, often five or moregenerations of selfing and selection are involved.

Uniform lines of new varieties may also be developed by way ofdouble-haploids. This technique allows the creation of true breedinglines without the need for multiple generations of selfing andselection. In this manner true breeding lines can be produced in aslittle as one generation. Haploid embryos may be produced frommicrospores, pollen, anther cultures, or ovary cultures. The haploidembryos may then be doubled autonomously, or by chemical treatments(e.g. colchicine treatment). Alternatively, haploid embryos may be growninto haploid plants and treated to induce chromosome doubling. In eithercase, fertile homozygous plants are obtained. In accordance with theinvention, any of such techniques may be used in connection with a plantof the invention and progeny thereof to achieve a homozygous line.

Backcrossing can also be used to improve an inbred plant. Backcrossingtransfers a specific desirable trait from one inbred or non-inbredsource to an inbred that lacks that trait. This can be accomplished, forexample, by first crossing a superior inbred (A) (recurrent parent) to adonor inbred (non-recurrent parent), which carries the appropriate locusor loci for the trait in question. The progeny of this cross are thenmated back to the superior recurrent parent (A) followed by selection inthe resultant progeny for the desired trait to be transferred from thenon-recurrent parent. After five or more backcross generations withselection for the desired trait, the progeny have the characteristicbeing transferred, but are like the superior parent for most or almostall other loci. The last backcross generation would be selfed to givepure breeding progeny for the trait being transferred.

The plants of the present invention are particularly well suited for thedevelopment of new lines based on the elite nature of the geneticbackground of the plants. In selecting a second plant to cross withZGNEHH6009 and/or squash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T for thepurpose of developing novel squash lines, it will typically be preferredto choose those plants which either themselves exhibit one or moreselected desirable characteristics or which exhibit the desiredcharacteristic(s) when in hybrid combination. Examples of desirabletraits may include, in specific embodiments, high seed yield, high seedgermination, seedling vigor, high fruit yield, disease tolerance orresistance, and adaptability for soil and climate conditions.Consumer-driven traits, such as a fruit shape, color, texture, and tasteare other examples of traits that may be incorporated into new lines ofsquash plants developed by this invention.

D. PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

As described above, hybrid ZGNEHH6009 exhibits desirable traits, asconferred by squash lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T. Theperformance characteristics of hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and squash linesZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T were the subject of an objective analysisof the performance traits relative to other varieties. The results ofthe analysis are presented below.

TABLE 4 Hybrid performance trial Sept-Oct 2011 at Tifton, GA ComparingZGNEHH6009 to two leading competitor hybrids, 9 harvest dates. FruitFruit Blossom Ease of Growth Marketable Variety Shape Color UniformityScar Harvest Vigor Habit Spininess fruit/plant HybridA 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 51.62 HybridA 5 5 4 4 3 5 5 4 1.81 HybridB 5 2 3 3 5 3 4 3 1.21 HybridB 42 4 4 4 3 4 4 2.37 ZGNEHH6009 4 3 3 5 4 4 4 5 3.90 ZGNEHH6009 3 3 2 6 43 4 4 4.79 Hybrid A is variety “Felix” from Harris Moran, Hybrid B isvariety “Envy” from Rogers.

TABLE 5 Hybrid performance data, Tifton GA, September-October 2010, 13harvest dates. Fruit Fruit Blossom Ease of Growth Marketable HybridShape Color Uniformity Scar Harvest Vigor Habit Spininess fruit/plantJUSTICE III 6 6 6 5 1 4 3 5 5.8 JUSTICE III 7 6 7 4 1 4 3 4 6.7 JUSTICEIII 7 4 3 5 3 4 4 4 5.7 ZGNEHH6009 4 3 4 6 2 5 3 4 8.1 ZGNEHH6009 6 3 37 4 5 5 4 8.1 ZGNEHH6009 4 2 2 5 1 5 5 5 6.9 Traits - Fruit Shape Rating(1-9 scale) where 1 is ideal, 5 is typical commercial hybrid quality,and 9 is unacceptably curved, bulby, or of incorrect length. Fruit ColorRating (1-9 scale) evaluates the evenness of green color on the fruit,where 1 is perfectly uniform color on all fruits, 5 is a commerciallyaverage frequency of light fruit discoloration on portions of fruits notexposed to sunlight, and 9 is severe discoloration on the shaded side ofthe majority of commercial harvest stage fruits. Blossom Scar rating(1-9 scale) 1 is a tiny and inconspicuous blossom scar, likely less than2 mm in diameter, 5 is a pronounced but commercially acceptable blossomscar averaging in the neighborhood of 4-5 mm, and 9 is a large and/orprotruding blossom scar frequently greater than 8 mm. Ease of harvestscore (1-9 scale) for hand-harvested fruits (as opposed to knifeharvested fruits) - a score of 1 represents 0 broken fruits among thefirst 9 fruits harvested in a plot, and each score higher represents 1additional broken fruit among the first 9 fruits harvested. A score of 9represents 8 or more broken fruits among the first 9 harvested fruits.Vigor score (1-9 scale) subjective rating of plant vigor during theharvest period, 1 represents an extremely vigorous plant, 5 represents aplant of average vigor, and 9 represents an extremely weak plant. GrowthHabit score (1-9 scale) a subjective rating of the desirability of theplant type, where 1 represents an ideal plant shape (upright growth,single stem, fruit held above the plant for easy harvest, shortinternode length), 5 represents a growth habit that is acceptable inmany circumstances (somewhat upright or diagonal growth habit, limitedbranching, most fruit visible when viewed from above), and 9 representsan unacceptable growth habit (completely prostrate growth, longinternodes, acute petiole angles that obscure fruit and/or cause damageto fruit upon harvest) Spininess score (1-9 scale), where 1 represents aplant wholly free of spines, 5 represents a moderate level of spininessthat can cause moderate damage to fruits at the time of harvest, and 9represents a high density of large spines that damage fruit and causediscomfort to harvesters. Marketable Fruit/Plant: the number ofmarketable quality fruits produced in the (10 harvest dates) harvestwindow.

E. FURTHER EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In certain aspects of the invention, plants described herein areprovided modified to include at least a first desired heritable trait.Such plants may, in one embodiment, be developed by a plant breedingtechnique called backcrossing, wherein essentially all of themorphological and physiological characteristics of a variety arerecovered in addition to a genetic locus transferred into the plant viathe backcrossing technique. The term single locus converted plant asused herein refers to those squash plants which are developed by a plantbreeding technique called backcrossing, wherein essentially all of themorphological and physiological characteristics of a variety arerecovered in addition to the single locus transferred into the varietyvia the backcrossing technique. By essentially all of the morphologicaland physiological characteristics, it is meant that the characteristicsof a plant are recovered that are otherwise present when compared in thesame environment, other than an occasional variant trait that mightarise during backcrossing or direct introduction of a transgene.

Backcrossing methods can be used with the present invention to improveor introduce a characteristic into the present variety. The parentalsquash plant which contributes the locus for the desired characteristicis termed the nonrecurrent or donor parent. This terminology refers tothe fact that the nonrecurrent parent is used one time in the backcrossprotocol and therefore does not recur. The parental squash plant towhich the locus or loci from the nonrecurrent parent are transferred isknown as the recurrent parent as it is used for several rounds in thebackcrossing protocol.

In a typical backcross protocol, the original variety of interest(recurrent parent) is crossed to a second variety (nonrecurrent parent)that carries the single locus of interest to be transferred. Theresulting progeny from this cross are then crossed again to therecurrent parent and the process is repeated until a squash plant isobtained wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of the recurrent parent are recovered in the convertedplant, in addition to the single transferred locus from the nonrecurrentparent.

The selection of a suitable recurrent parent is an important step for asuccessful backcrossing procedure. The goal of a backcross protocol isto alter or substitute a single trait or characteristic in the originalvariety. To accomplish this, a single locus of the recurrent variety ismodified or substituted with the desired locus from the nonrecurrentparent, while retaining essentially all of the rest of the desiredgenetic, and therefore the desired physiological and morphologicalconstitution of the original variety. The choice of the particularnonrecurrent parent will depend on the purpose of the backcross; one ofthe major purposes is to add some commercially desirable trait to theplant. The exact backcrossing protocol will depend on the characteristicor trait being altered and the genetic distance between the recurrentand nonrecurrent parents. Although backcrossing methods are simplifiedwhen the characteristic being transferred is a dominant allele, arecessive allele, or an additive allele (between recessive anddominant), may also be transferred. In this instance it may be necessaryto introduce a test of the progeny to determine if the desiredcharacteristic has been successfully transferred.

In one embodiment, progeny squash plants of a backcross in which a plantdescribed herein is the recurrent parent comprise (i) the desired traitfrom the non-recurrent parent and (ii) all of the physiological andmorphological characteristics of squash the recurrent parent asdetermined at the 5% significance level when grown in the sameenvironmental conditions.

New varieties can also be developed from more than two parents. Thetechnique, known as modified backcrossing, uses different recurrentparents during the backcrossing. Modified backcrossing may be used toreplace the original recurrent parent with a variety having certain moredesirable characteristics or multiple parents may be used to obtaindifferent desirable characteristics from each.

With the development of molecular markers associated with particulartraits, it is possible to add additional traits into an established germline, such as represented here, with the end result being substantiallythe same base germplasm with the addition of a new trait or traits.Molecular breeding, as described in Moose and Mumm, 2008 (PlantPhysiology, 147: 969-977), for example, and elsewhere, provides amechanism for integrating single or multiple traits or QTL into an eliteline. This molecular breeding-facilitated movement of a trait or traitsinto an elite line may encompass incorporation of a particular genomicfragment associated with a particular trait of interest into the eliteline by the mechanism of identification of the integrated genomicfragment with the use of flanking or associated marker assays. In theembodiment represented here, one, two, three or four genomic loci, forexample, may be integrated into an elite line via this methodology. Whenthis elite line containing the additional loci is further crossed withanother parental elite line to produce hybrid offspring, it is possibleto then incorporate at least eight separate additional loci into thehybrid. These additional loci may confer, for example, such traits as adisease resistance or a fruit quality trait. In one embodiment, eachlocus may confer a separate trait. In another embodiment, loci may needto be homozygous and exist in each parent line to confer a trait in thehybrid. In yet another embodiment, multiple loci may be combined toconfer a single robust phenotype of a desired trait.

Many single locus traits have been identified that are not regularlyselected for in the development of a new inbred but that can be improvedby backcrossing techniques. Single locus traits may or may not betransgenic; examples of these traits include, but are not limited to,herbicide resistance, resistance to bacterial, fungal, or viral disease,insect resistance, modified fatty acid or carbohydrate metabolism, andaltered nutritional quality. These comprise genes generally inheritedthrough the nucleus.

Direct selection may be applied where the single locus acts as adominant trait. For this selection process, the progeny of the initialcross are assayed for viral resistance and/or the presence of thecorresponding gene prior to the backcrossing. Selection eliminates anyplants that do not have the desired gene and resistance trait, and onlythose plants that have the trait are used in the subsequent backcross.This process is then repeated for all additional backcross generations.

Selection of squash plants for breeding is not necessarily dependent onthe phenotype of a plant and instead can be based on geneticinvestigations. For example, one can utilize a suitable genetic markerwhich is closely genetically linked to a trait of interest. One of thesemarkers can be used to identify the presence or absence of a trait inthe offspring of a particular cross, and can be used in selection ofprogeny for continued breeding. This technique is commonly referred toas marker assisted selection. Any other type of genetic marker or otherassay which is able to identify the relative presence or absence of atrait of interest in a plant can also be useful for breeding purposes.Procedures for marker assisted selection are well known in the art. Suchmethods will be of particular utility in the case of recessive traitsand variable phenotypes, or where conventional assays may be moreexpensive, time consuming or otherwise disadvantageous. Types of geneticmarkers which could be used in accordance with the invention include,but are not necessarily limited to, Simple Sequence Length Polymorphisms(SSLPs) (Williams et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 1 8:6531-6535, 1990),Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), DNA AmplificationFingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs),Arbitrary Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), Amplified FragmentLength Polymorphisms (AFLPs) (EP 534 858, specifically incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety), and Single NucleotidePolymorphisms (SNPs) (Wang et al., Science, 280:1077-1082, 1998).

F. PLANTS DERIVED BY GENETIC ENGINEERING

Many useful traits that can be introduced by backcrossing, as well asdirectly into a plant, are those which are introduced by genetictransformation techniques. Genetic transformation may therefore be usedto insert a selected transgene into a plant of the invention or may,alternatively, be used for the preparation of transgenes which can beintroduced by backcrossing. Methods for the transformation of plantsthat are well known to those of skill in the art and applicable to manycrop species include, but are not limited to, electroporation,microprojectile bombardment, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation anddirect DNA uptake by protoplasts.

To effect transformation by electroporation, one may employ eitherfriable tissues, such as a suspension culture of cells or embryogeniccallus or alternatively one may transform immature embryos or otherorganized tissue directly. In this technique, one would partiallydegrade the cell walls of the chosen cells by exposing them topectin-degrading enzymes (pectolyases) or mechanically wound tissues ina controlled manner.

An efficient method for delivering transforming DNA segments to plantcells is microprojectile bombardment. In this method, particles arecoated with nucleic acids and delivered into cells by a propellingforce. Exemplary particles include those comprised of tungsten,platinum, and preferably, gold. For the bombardment, cells in suspensionare concentrated on filters or solid culture medium. Alternatively,immature embryos or other target cells may be arranged on solid culturemedium. The cells to be bombarded are positioned at an appropriatedistance below the macroprojectile stopping plate.

An illustrative embodiment of a method for delivering DNA into plantcells by acceleration is the Biolistics Particle Delivery System, whichcan be used to propel particles coated with DNA or cells through ascreen, such as a stainless steel or Nytex screen, onto a surfacecovered with target cells. The screen disperses the particles so thatthey are not delivered to the recipient cells in large aggregates.Microprojectile bombardment techniques are widely applicable, and may beused to transform virtually any plant species.

Agrobacterium-mediated transfer is another widely applicable system forintroducing gene loci into plant cells. An advantage of the technique isthat DNA can be introduced into whole plant tissues, thereby bypassingthe need for regeneration of an intact plant from a protoplast. ModernAgrobacterium transformation vectors are capable of replication in E.coli as well as Agrobacterium, allowing for convenient manipulations(Klee et al., BioTechnology, 3(7):637-642, 1985). Moreover, recenttechnological advances in vectors for Agrobacterium-mediated genetransfer have improved the arrangement of genes and restriction sites inthe vectors to facilitate the construction of vectors capable ofexpressing various polypeptide coding genes. The vectors described haveconvenient multi-linker regions flanked by a promoter and apolyadenylation site for direct expression of inserted polypeptidecoding genes. Additionally, Agrobacterium containing both armed anddisarmed Ti genes can be used for transformation.

In those plant strains where Agrobacterium-mediated transformation isefficient, it is the method of choice because of the facile and definednature of the gene locus transfer. The use of Agrobacterium-mediatedplant integrating vectors to introduce DNA into plant cells is wellknown in the art (Fraley et al., Bio/Technology, 3:629-635, 1985; U.S.Pat. No. 5,563,055).

Transformation of plant protoplasts also can be achieved using methodsbased on calcium phosphate precipitation, polyethylene glycol treatment,electroporation, and combinations of these treatments (see, e.g.,Potrykus et al., Mol. Gen. Genet., 199:183-188, 1985; Omirulleh et al.,Plant Mol. Biol., 21(3):415-428, 1993; Fromm et al., Nature,312:791-793, 1986; Uchimiya et al., Mol. Gen. Genet., 204:204, 1986;Marcotte et al., Nature, 335:454, 1988). Transformation of plants andexpression of foreign genetic elements is exemplified in Choi et al.(Plant Cell Rep., 13: 344-348, 1994), and Ellul et al. (Theor. Appl.Genet., 107:462-469, 2003).

A number of promoters have utility for plant gene expression for anygene of interest including but not limited to selectable markers,scoreable markers, genes for pest tolerance, disease resistance,nutritional enhancements and any other gene of agronomic interest.Examples of constitutive promoters useful for plant gene expressioninclude, but are not limited to, the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV)P-35S promoter, which confers constitutive, high-level expression inmost plant tissues (see, e.g., Odel et al., Nature, 313:810, 1985),including in monocots (see, e.g., Dekeyser et al., Plant Cell, 2:591,1990; Terada and Shimamoto, Mol. Gen. Genet., 220:389, 1990); a tandemlyduplicated version of the CaMV 35S promoter, the enhanced 35S promoter(P-e35S);1 the nopaline synthase promoter (An et al., Plant Physiol.,88:547, 1988); the octopine synthase promoter (Fromm et al., Plant Cell,1:977, 1989); and the figwort mosaic virus (P-FMV) promoter as describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,619 and an enhanced version of the FMV promoter(P-eFMV) where the promoter sequence of P-FMV is duplicated in tandem;the cauliflower mosaic virus 19S promoter; a sugarcane bacilliform viruspromoter; a commelina yellow mottle virus promoter; and other plant DNAvirus promoters known to express in plant cells.

A variety of plant gene promoters that are regulated in response toenvironmental, hormonal, chemical, and/or developmental signals can alsobe used for expression of an operably linked gene in plant cells,including promoters regulated by (1) heat (Callis et al., PlantPhysiol., 88:965, 1988), (2) light (e.g., pea rbcS-3A promoter,Kuhlemeier et al., Plant Cell, 1:471, 1989; maize rbcS promoter,Schaffner and Sheen, Plant Cell, 3:997, 1991; or chlorophyll a/b-bindingprotein promoter, Simpson et al., EMBO J., 4:2723, 1985), (3) hormones,such as abscisic acid (Marcotte et al., Plant Cell, 1:969, 1989), (4)wounding (e.g., wunl, Siebertz et al., Plant Cell, 1:961, 1989); or (5)chemicals such as methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, or Safener. It mayalso be advantageous to employ organ-specific promoters (e.g., Roshal etal., EMBO J., 6:1155, 1987; Schernthaner et al., EMBO J., 7:1249, 1988;Bustos et al., Plant Cell, 1:839, 1989).

Exemplary nucleic acids which may be introduced to plants of thisinvention include, for example, DNA sequences or genes from anotherspecies, or even genes or sequences which originate with or are presentin the same species, but are incorporated into recipient cells bygenetic engineering methods rather than classical reproduction orbreeding techniques. However, the term “exogenous” is also intended torefer to genes that are not normally present in the cell beingtransformed, or perhaps simply not present in the form, structure, etc.,as found in the transforming DNA segment or gene, or genes which arenormally present and that one desires to express in a manner thatdiffers from the natural expression pattern, e.g., to over-express.Thus, the term “exogenous” gene or DNA is intended to refer to any geneor DNA segment that is introduced into a recipient cell, regardless ofwhether a similar gene may already be present in such a cell. The typeof DNA included in the exogenous DNA can include DNA which is alreadypresent in the plant cell, DNA from another plant, DNA from a differentorganism, or a DNA generated externally, such as a DNA sequencecontaining an antisense message of a gene, or a DNA sequence encoding asynthetic or modified version of a gene.

Many hundreds if not thousands of different genes are known and couldpotentially be introduced into a squash plant according to theinvention. Non-limiting examples of particular genes and correspondingphenotypes one may choose to introduce into a squash plant include oneor more genes for insect tolerance, such as a Bacillus thuringiensis(B.t.) gene, pest tolerance such as genes for fungal disease control,herbicide tolerance such as genes conferring glyphosate tolerance, andgenes for quality improvements such as yield, nutritional enhancements,environmental or stress tolerances, or any desirable changes in plantphysiology, growth, development, morphology or plant product(s). Forexample, structural genes would include any gene that confers insecttolerance including but not limited to a Bacillus insect control proteingene as described in WO 99/31248, herein incorporated by reference inits entirety, U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,052, herein incorporated by referencein its entirety, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,500,365 and 5,880,275, hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety. In another embodiment, thestructural gene can confer tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate asconferred by genes including, but not limited to Agrobacterium strainCP4 glyphosate resistant EPSPS gene (aroA:CP4) as described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,633,435, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, orglyphosate oxidoreductase gene (GOX) as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,463,175, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Alternatively, the DNA coding sequences can affect these phenotypes byencoding a non-translatable RNA molecule that causes the targetedinhibition of expression of an endogenous gene, for example viaantisense- or cosuppression-mediated mechanisms (see, for example, Birdet al., Biotech. Gen. Engin. Rev., 9:207, 1991). The RNA could also be acatalytic RNA molecule (i.e., a ribozyme) engineered to cleave a desiredendogenous mRNA product (see for example, Gibson and Shillito, Mol.Biotech., 7:125, 1997). Thus, any gene which produces a protein or mRNAwhich expresses a phenotype or morphology change of interest is usefulfor the practice of the present invention.

G. DEFINITIONS

In the description and tables herein, a number of terms are used. Inorder to provide a clear and consistent understanding of thespecification and claims, the following definitions are provided:

Allele: Any of one or more alternative forms of a gene locus, all ofwhich alleles relate to one trait or characteristic. In a diploid cellor organism, the two alleles of a given gene occupy corresponding locion a pair of homologous chromosomes.

Backcrossing: A process in which a breeder repeatedly crosses hybridprogeny, for example a first generation hybrid (F₁), back to one of theparents of the hybrid progeny. Backcrossing can be used to introduce oneor more single locus conversions from one genetic background intoanother.

Crossing: The mating of two parent plants.

Cross-pollination: Fertilization by the union of two gametes fromdifferent plants.

Diploid: A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes.

Emasculate: The removal of plant male sex organs or the inactivation ofthe organs with a cytoplasmic or nuclear genetic factor or a chemicalagent conferring male sterility.

Enzymes: Molecules which can act as catalysts in biological reactions.

F₁ Hybrid: The first generation progeny of the cross of two nonisogenicplants.

Genotype: The genetic constitution of a cell or organism.

Haploid: A cell or organism having one set of the two sets ofchromosomes in a diploid.

Linkage: A phenomenon wherein alleles on the same chromosome tend tosegregate together more often than expected by chance if theirtransmission was independent.

Marker: A readily detectable phenotype, preferably inherited incodominant fashion (both alleles at a locus in a diploid heterozygoteare readily detectable), with no environmental variance component, i.e.,heritability of 1.

Phenotype: The detectable characteristics of a cell or organism, whichcharacteristics are the manifestation of gene expression.

Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL): Quantitative trait loci (QTL) refer togenetic loci that control to some degree numerically representabletraits that are usually continuously distributed.

Resistance: As used herein, the terms “resistance” and “tolerance” areused interchangeably to describe plants that show no symptoms to aspecified biotic pest, pathogen, abiotic influence or environmentalcondition. These terms are also used to describe plants showing somesymptoms but that are still able to produce marketable product with anacceptable yield. Some plants that are referred to as resistant ortolerant are only so in the sense that they may still produce a crop,even though the plants are stunted and the yield is reduced.

Regeneration: The development of a plant from tissue culture.

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) color chart value: The RHS color chartis a standardized reference which allows accurate identification of anycolor. A color's designation on the chart describes its hue, brightnessand saturation. A color is precisely named by the RHS color chart byidentifying the group name, sheet number and letter, e.g., Yellow-OrangeGroup 19A or Red Group 41B.

Self-pollination: The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigmaof the same plant.

Single Locus Converted (Conversion) Plant: Plants which are developed bya plant breeding technique called backcrossing, wherein essentially allof the morphological and physiological characteristics of a squashvariety are recovered in addition to the characteristics of the singlelocus transferred into the variety via the backcrossing technique and/orby genetic transformation.

Substantially Equivalent: A characteristic that, when compared, does notshow a statistically significant difference (e.g., p=0.05) from themean.

Tissue Culture: A composition comprising isolated cells of the same or adifferent type or a collection of such cells organized into parts of aplant.

Transgene: A genetic locus comprising a sequence which has beenintroduced into the genome of a squash plant by transformation.

H. DEPOSIT INFORMATION

A deposit of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009 and inbred parent linesZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T, disclosed above and recited in theclaims, has been made with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC),10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209. The date of depositwere Sep. 17, 2012, May 31, 2012, and 30 Apr. 2007, respectively. Theaccession numbers for those deposited seeds of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009and inbred parent lines ZGN-130-1096 and ZGN 130-1041T are ATCCAccession No. PTA-13192, ATCC Accession No. PTA-12929, and ATCCAccession No. PTA-8397, respectively. Upon issuance of a patent, allrestrictions upon the deposits will be removed, and the deposits areintended to meet all of the requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.801-1.809. Thedeposits will be maintained in the depository for a period of 30 years,or 5 years after the last request, or for the effective life of thepatent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if necessary duringthat period.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example for purposes of clarity andunderstanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modificationsmay be practiced within the scope of the invention, as limited only bythe scope of the appended claims.

All references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein byreference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A squash plant comprising at least a first set ofthe chromosomes of squash line ZGN-130-1096, a sample of seed of saidline having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-12929.
 2. Aseed comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of squash lineZGN-130-1096, a sample of seed of said line having been deposited underATCC Accession Number PTA-12929.
 3. The plant of claim 1, which isinbred.
 4. The plant of claim 1, which is hybrid.
 5. The seed of claim2, which is inbred.
 6. The seed of claim 2, which is hybrid.
 7. Theplant of claim 4, wherein the hybrid plant is squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009,a sample of seed of said hybrid ZGNEHH6009 having been deposited underATCC Accession Number PTA-13192.
 8. The seed of claim 6, defined as aseed of squash hybrid ZGNEHH6009, a sample of seed of said hybridZGNEHH6009 having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-13192.9. The seed of claim 2, defined as a seed of line ZGN-130-1096.
 10. Aplant part of the plant of claim
 1. 11. The plant part of claim 10,further defined as a leaf, an ovule, pollen, a fruit, or a cell.
 12. Asquash plant having all the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of the squash plant of claim
 7. 13. A tissue culture ofregenerable cells of the plant of claim
 1. 14. The tissue cultureaccording to claim 13, comprising cells or protoplasts from a plant partselected from the group consisting of embryos, meristems, cotyledons,pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips, pistil, flower, seed andstalks.
 15. A squash plant regenerated from the tissue culture of claim13.
 16. A method of vegetatively propagating the plant of claim 1comprising the steps of: (a) collecting tissue capable of beingpropagated from a plant according to claim 1; (b) cultivating saidtissue to obtain proliferated shoots; and (c) rooting said proliferatedshoots to obtain rooted plantlets.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising growing at least a first plant from said rooted plantlets.18. A method of introducing a desired trait into a squash linecomprising: (a) crossing a plant of line ZGN-130-1096 with a secondsquash plant that comprises a desired trait to produce F1 progeny, asample of seed of said line having been deposited under ATCC AccessionNumber PTA-12929; (b) selecting an F1 progeny that comprises the desiredtrait; (c) backcrossing the selected F1 progeny with a plant of lineZGN-130-1096 to produce backcross progeny; (d) selecting backcrossprogeny comprising the desired trait and the physiological andmorphological characteristic of squash line ZGN-130-1096; and (e)repeating steps (c) and (d) three or more times to produce selectedfourth or higher backcross progeny that comprise the desired trait. 19.A squash plant produced by the method of claim
 18. 20. A method ofproducing a plant comprising an added trait, the method comprisingintroducing a transgene conferring the trait into a plant of hybridZGNEHH6009, or line ZGN-130-1096, a sample of seed of said hybrid andline having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-13192, andATCC Accession Number PTA-12929, respectively.
 21. A plant produced bythe method of claim
 20. 22. The plant of claim 1, comprising atransgene.
 23. The plant of claim 22, wherein the transgene confers atrait selected from the group consisting of male sterility, herbicidetolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance,modified fatty acid metabolism, environmental stress tolerance, modifiedcarbohydrate metabolism and modified protein metabolism.
 24. The plantof claim 1, comprising a single locus conversion.
 25. The plant of claim24, wherein the single locus conversion confers a trait selected fromthe group consisting of male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insectresistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, modified fatty acidmetabolism, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydratemetabolism and modified protein metabolism.
 26. A method for producing aseed of a plant derived from at least one of hybrid ZGNEHH6009, or lineZGN-130-1096 comprising the steps of: (a) crossing a squash plant ofhybrid ZGNEHH6009, or line ZGN-130-1096 with itself or a second squashplant; a sample of seed of said hybrid and line having been depositedunder ATCC Accession Number PTA-13192, and ATCC Accession NumberPTA-12929, respectively; and (b) allowing seed of a hybrid ZGNEHH6009,or line ZGN-130-1096-derived squash plant to form.
 27. The method ofclaim 26, further comprising the steps of: (c) selfing a plant grownfrom said hybrid ZGNEHH6009, or ZGN-130-1096-derived squash seed toyield additional hybrid ZGNEHH6009, or line ZGN-130-1096-derived squashseed; (d) growing said additional hybrid ZGNEHH6009, or lineZGN-130-1096-derived squash seed of step (c) to yield additional hybridZGNEHH6009, or line ZGN-130-1096-derived squash plants; and (e)repeating the crossing and growing steps of (c) and (d) to generate atleast a first further hybrid ZGNEHH6009, or line ZGN-130-1096-derivedsquash plant.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein the second squashplant is of an inbred squash line.
 29. The method of claim 26,comprising crossing line ZGN-130-1096 with line ZGN 130-1041T, a sampleof seed of said lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession NumberPTA-12929, and ATCC Accession Number PTA-8397, respectively.
 30. Themethod of claim 27, further comprising: (f) crossing the further hybridZGNEHH6009, or ZGN-130-1096-derived squash plant with a second squashplant to produce seed of a hybrid progeny plant.
 31. A plant part of theplant of claim
 7. 32. The plant part of claim 31, further defined as aleaf, an ovule, pollen, a fruit, or a cell.
 33. A method of producing asquash seed comprising crossing the plant of claim 1 with itself or asecond squash plant and allowing seed to form.
 34. A method of producinga squash comprising: (a) obtaining a plant according to claim 1, whereinthe plant has been cultivated to maturity; and (b) collecting a squashfrom the plant.
 35. A method of producing a plant of squash hybridZGNEHH6009 comprising a single locus conversion, the method comprisingcrossing a plant of line ZGN 130-1041T with a plant of lineZGN-130-1096, wherein at least one of said lines comprises a singlelocus conversion, a sample of seed of said lines ZGN 130-1041T andZGN-130-1096 having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-8397 andATCC Accession Number PTA-12929, respectively.